Pope John Paul II Journal of Philosophy

This paper undertakes a comparative philosophical study of Neo-Paganism and Søren Kierkegaard’s philosophy of religion, exploring their shared emphasis on subjective spirituality, individual autonomy, and rejection of institutionalized dogma, while also delineating their theological and existential divergences. Neo-Paganism’s pluralistic, nature-reverent, and celebratory spirituality contrasts sharply with Kierkegaard’s existential Christianity, which stresses radical monotheism, the “leap of faith,” and the transformative role of suffering. Drawing on philosophical analysis, the study highlights how both frameworks respond to the challenges and possibilities of digital-age religiosity in Nigeria where spiritual exploration, cultural revival, and ethical concerns intersect in unprecedented ways. The paper argues that Kierkegaard’s critique of religious commodification and Neo-Paganism’s revivalist ethos offer complementary insights into the digital reconfiguration of faith, especially among Nigerian youths. It concludes by urging a critical yet open engagement with both indigenous and global spiritualties, advocating for an ethical and culturally grounded renaissance of faith in Nigeria’s digital era.

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